Donald L. Holmes

Donald L. Holmes, 87, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025 with his wife and daughter at his side. He was born on December 21, 1937 in Evansville, Indiana to Eugene and Edith (Voitl) Holmes.

Don grew up in Evansville and upon graduating from Reitz Memorial Catholic High School, went to work for Whirlpool Corporation. While working there, he met and married Mary Jane in 1960. Don also entered the Army at this time, proudly serving and being in the reserve for six years. He attended evening classes, while working, at the University of Evansville, graduating in 1965. His successful 45 year career with Whirlpool took Don and his family from Indiana, to Ohio, to Michigan, and to Singapore. He was proud of a career where he began as a blue print clerk and worked his way up to Senior leadership.

Don and Mary Jane had three children, three grandchildren, and six dogs through the years (Mighty, Allie, Chloe, Koko, Daisy and Buzz). Don loved his family (and pups) deeply. He also loved to write - whether it was political satire or emails to his best friends discussing life and the state of the world; he was an artist, loved to paint, draw and sketch; he loved to play tennis, and to watch his grandsons compete in whatever sport was in season; when his daughter and family lived in Beijing for three years, he and Mary Jane had three extended visits there and he enjoyed shopping the markets, touring the city, and learning about the culture. Don had love for his country. Most national holidays he would secretly place flags in each neighbor’s yard around their block, a tradition he enlisted his grandsons in once he was no longer able to get around himself. He took great pride in the flag hanging on his porch that he could see from his chair inside the house. Don was a man of faith and had a thirst for learning about that faith throughout his life. While he could be a man of few words (with the exception of political observations), the words he spoke were either quick witted, honest, or perhaps sarcastic. They were always worth the listen. His family will hold many of these words close to their hearts for years to come.

Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Jane; daughter, Kay (Luke); grandsons, Koen, Alex and Ashton.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Eugene and Edith Holmes; brother, Kenneth; sister, Lorene; daughter, Lynn; son, Daniel.

A visitation will be held from 9-10 am on September 2, 2025 immediately followed by a Memorial Mass at Church of the Ascension, 9510 W 127th St, Overland Park, KS 66213.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Don’s memory be made to Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary in Spring Hill, KS or the Wounded Warrior Project.

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